Portfolio Diet May Cut LDL as Much as Statins by Mixing Four LDL-Lowering Foods
The portfolio diet combines four LDL-lowering components—plant protein (soy), plant sterols, tree nuts, and soluble fiber—into a daily plan and may reduce LDL cholesterol by up to about 29–30%, in some cases rivaling low-dose statins. Key targets include 35 g/day of plant protein, 2 g/day of plant sterols, 42 g/day of tree nuts, and 18 g/day of soluble fiber, with psyllium husk and fortified foods helping meet goals. While promising, statins have additional benefits beyond LDL reduction, and you should follow a clinician’s advice if prescribed.
